Greetings comic book fans and welcome to another episode of The Crank File, the only place on the web that doesn’t give a damn that your mother’s name is Martha. I’m your host Ken Lee and here’s what I’m reading this week.

The Top of the Pile: Outcast #25

Publisher: ImageWords: Robert KirkmanArt: Paul Azeaeta

What it is: NEW STORY ARC! ‘LIGHT OF DAY’-A major turning point in the series! New characters are introduced! Big things are in store for Kyle Barnes as he’s faced with something he never could have prepared for-hope! Everything changes as we celebrate our 25th issue! ALSO, HOLY CRAP! THIS ISSUE IS .25 CENTS TO CELEBRATE THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF IMAGE COMICS!

Why we love it: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Image Comics with a 25 cent cover priced issue of Outcast #25. Kirkham is the unquestionable king of horror drama in contemporary comics and Outcast is his crown jewel, no matter what those shambling, hobo survivors over at The Walking Dead say.

The Mainstream One: Justice League America #1

Publisher: DCWords: Steve OrlandoArt: Ivan Reis

What it is: Meet the Extremists-self-proclaimed saviors from another Earth, they thirst for peace, prosperity and total submission to the will of their leader, Lord Havok! How can the newly assembled JLA stop this group of misguided maniacs before the Extremists unleash their own unique-not to mention dangerous!-brand of law and order on our chaotic world?

Why we like it: Spinning out of the recent Justice League vs Suicide Squad event, DC is assembling the most unconventional JLA team yet. Led by Batman, it’s is a motley crew of b-list heroes and villains that were apparently chosen by throwing darts at a board. This iteration of the Justice League America will be composed of Black Canary, Atom, Frost, Vixen, The Ray and most importantly fraggin’ Lobo. And not the effeminate New 52 Lobo. Looks like the main man is back. You won’t want to miss this ya lowdown conivin’ bastiches!

The Indie One: Divinity III Stalinverse #3

Publisher: ValiantWords: Matt KindtArt: Trevor Hairsine

What it is: Red rebellion! Across continents, the world bows to the oppressive and ruthless might of the global Russian regime. Former Russian intelligence officer Colin King, however, knows that this reality is not his own. With the truth on his side, Colin King is about to mount a resistance with aid of the world’s most feared undesirables and release the classified asset known as Abram Adams from a prison guarded by the CCCP’s greatest super powers. But when Myshka – the divinely powered enforcer of the Soviet Union – comes to crush their uprising, will the man once known as Ninjak live long enough to discover the sinister reason that the Stalinverse came to be? The truth behind Valiant’s shocking new reality will finally be revealed as New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (NINJAK) and blockbuster artist Trevor Hairsine (DIVINITY II) pull back the iron curtain and reveal the insidious mastermind who will stop at nothing to preserve this twisted world order!

Why we like it: Divinity continues to be my favorite new superhero to emerge in the past 5 years, and that includes anybody from the big two (with the possible exception of Ms. Marvel). In the two short years since his conception, his story has completely altered the landscape of the Valiant universe. If you haven’t checked out Divinity yet, I highly recommend picking up the trades and getting caught up. I can say without hyperbole that it is epic.

The #1 One: The Old Guard #1

Publisher: ImageWords: Greg RuckaArt: Leandro Fernandez

What it is: Eisner-winning writer GREG RUCKA (LAZARUS, BLACK MAGICK, Wonder Woman) and critically acclaimed artist LEANDRO FERNANDEZ (THE DISCIPLINE, Deadpool, Punisher: MAX) team up together to introduce THE OLD GUARD, the story of old soldiers who never die and yet cannot seem to fade away. Trapped in an immortality without explanation, Andromache of Scythia – ‘Andy’ – and her comrades ply their trade for those who can find-and afford-their services. But in the 21st century, immortality is a hard secret to keep, and when you live long enough, you learn that there are many fates worse than death.

Why we like it: I’m a firm believer in following creative talent wherever it goes and Greg Rucka is one of those creators who can pull off strange, high concept stories that other writers wouldn’t even touch. Image has been on a roll lately, with breakout hits Seven to Eternity and God Country. Will The Old Guard continue their winning streak?

The One I’m Buying for the Cover: Amazing Spiderman #24 (Dell Otto variant)

What it is: A CLONE CONSPIRACY TIE-IN! Spider-Man has been through hell. The Jackal has taken his best shot, but Spider-Man doesn’t need to face him alone. Discover who is joining Spider-Man in his battle!

Why we like it: Clone Conspiracy was good but not great. It ended with a bang but besides bringing back some legacy characters it ended without any clear sense of purpose. I’m hoping that the post-event tie-ins, Clone Conspiracy Omega and ASM#24 will give us some closure. But if it doesn’t, at least I’ll have another beautiful Dell Otto Spiderman cover in my collection.

That’s all I got this week. Let me know what you’re checking out in the comments. Until next time, carpe comics!